Hydraulic dredging-machin e



(No Model.) I 3 Sheets Shee t 1. J. W. SAGKETT.

HYDRAULIC DREDGING MACHINE. No. 508,766] Patented Nov. 14, 1893.

Z\ WITNESSES.

lA/VE I ms NA'nouAl. LrmoaRAFHma coMPANv.

war-uneven. u. c.

(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Shee1; 2.

J. W. SAO'KETT. HYDRAULIC DREDGING MACHINE- No. 508,766. Patented Nov.14, 1893.

' W/TNESSES. a. a. fiW

- THE NATIONAL u'mumummn coMuNY.

wAlnmaYoN. 0.4:.

(No Model.) 3 SheetS -Sheet 3.- J. W. SAGKETT. HYDRAULIC DREDGINGMACHINE.

INVENTOI? ATTORNEYS.

WITNESSES.- 41 0 W the mmoum. LITNOGRAFHING COMPANV.

UNIT D" STATES PATENT. QnricErl.

' JOHN w. SAOKETT, or en AUGUSTINEJLORIDA.

HYDRAULIC oREoe Nc- Ac me.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 508,766, dated November.14, 1 893. 7 Application filed November 8,1892. Serial No. 451,354- (Nomodel.) I

To all whom ifimay concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN W. SAOKETT, of St. Augustine, in thecounty ofSt. Johns and State of Florida, have invented a new and useful HydraulicDred ging-Machine, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact'description.

This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for deepeningchannels as well as .the removal of material from submerged banks ofharbors, to facilitate the erection of wharfs and like purposes. Thenature and object of my invention,

' consists in the provision of a device of novel construction, whichwill be well adapted to plow a furrow in the bed of a Water course thatis to be deepened by the coaction of excavatorteeth and hydraulic jets,and at the same time elevate the excavated material,

mixed with a modicum of water, through'an adjustable conduit, that isthe feeder of a suitable pump on a float from which pump the raisedmaterial is discharged at a preferred point.

My invention further consists in the provision of novel, simple, andreliable-means for the support and convenient adjustment of theexcavating machanism as well as its lateral reciprocating movement inservice, and also to furnish said mechanism with a novel tilting table,which will be automatically rocked 1 at a proper time, and thus open areceiving throat alternately at opposite sides of the excavator headorbox, of which it forms the adjustable bottom wall.

Another feature of the. invention, consists in the provision of a novelspud mechanism for the dredging apparatus, which serves to regulate thedegree of advance given to the dredger, as becomes necessary to locateits plowing and elevating devices above parts of e a water bed that havenot been excavated.

My invention further consists in the special construction andc'ombinationof different parts of the improved dredger, as ishereinafter described and claimed. 7

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part ofthis specification, in which similar letters of reference indicatecorresponding parts in all the figures.

Figure l is a side View in part, of a floating hull, and novel dredgingmechanism located a feature of the invention.

View broken away laterally, of the excavator dredging devices on it.Fig. 3 is an end view 55 of the hull, and the dredging apparatus. Fig. 4is an enlarged front viewbroken away forwardly, of the hollow excavatorhead that is Fig. 5 is a side head, an attached conduitin part, and ahydraulic jet attachment on the head. Fig. 6 is aplan view partly insection, of the improved excavator head showing the jet attachmentthereto, the section being taken on the line 66 in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is anenlarged broken side view, in section on the line 77 in Fig. 6, showinga novel form of valve for the jet device on the excavator head. Fig. 8

.is an enlarged broken side view in section, of

parts taken opposite the arrow 8, in Fig. 3. Fig. 9 is a plan view insection, of features of improved construction, taken on the line 99 inFig. 8. Fig. 10 is an enlarged partly sectional view, of a modifiedconstruction of a part of the conduit, which extends between 'theexcavator head and a sand pump on the float. Fig. 11 is a plan view. ofparts enlarged and detached,'taken opposite the arrow 11 in Fig. 1.

tional plan view taken on the line 13l3 in Fig. 10.

There isa'floa A, provided tosu s t'ain the working parts of thedredger, and as reprosented it is preferably given a rectangular formand decked over so as to produce a watertight hull, whereon a pump B, ofany approved construction adapted for the service,

is secured near one side edge of-the float, and at a proper distancefrom the front edge of the latter.

Near thecenter of width of the Iioat A, and

rearward of the pumpB, a hoisting device is located and secured upon itsdeck, consisting essentially of two winch drums'C, that are .affixedupon two axially co-incident shafts,

that are journaled on a bed frame 0', the

latter extendinglongitudinally of the floatA, [00

between the drums mentioned, and consisting of four parallelpieces'properly secured in place, leaving a suflicient space between theinner pair for the introduction of the double Fig. 2 1s e Fig. 12 is aside view of parts shown 80 in Fig. 11, taken opposite the arrow 12insaid 'figure and also in Fig; 2'; an'dFigQl3is a seccranks a that are apart of a driving shaft D which projects at a right angle to the bedframe; its end portion that lies opposite the pump B, rearward of thesame, being-rotatably supported by a pedestal box a, as shown in Fig. 2.The winch drums O are of usual form, and have a detachably gearedconnection with the driving shaft D, there being similar pinions affixedupon the driving shaft near the outer sides of the bed frame 0, so as tomesh with large spur wheels 0 that are affixed to the drums, and thustransmit rotary motion from the shaft D to the drums and reduce speed;the shaft named receiving rotatable motion from a source of power (notshown) through the connecting rods a shown in part, and which have aloose connection with the cranks a. For efficiency in service, itisnecessary that the drums, be adapted for independent rotation, to effectwhich, they each have a friction head on their end por tions that arenearest to the spur wheels 0 which heads are adapted for engagement orrelease with regard to the spur wheels by manipulation of the handlevers 0 that are loosely secured to the outer ends of the drums O, andwhen vibrated slide said drums longitudinally a proper distance toconnect or break connection of the spur wheels and drums as occasion mayrequire. Forwardly of the drums 0, two parallel counter-shafts E, arejournaled in the bed frame 0, extending equally beyond the outer sidesof the latter; there being journals produced near each end of thecounter-shafts which loosely engage boxes on the outer side pieces ofthe bed frame. The spools b are secured one on each end of each shaftand outside of the bed frame, the use of which will be explained. Eachshaft E, is geared to the spur wheels independently by pinions E on saidshafts.

The pump B, is of the usual type, adapted for operation by rotarymovement of its center shaft, which is furnished with a small pulley Bat the side of the pump case,'said pulley being connected by a belt 13with a larger pulley D, on the driving shaft D, so that the pump isactuated by the same source of power that rotates the winch drums 0.

Upon the float A, preferably in the center of the deck transverselyconsidered, and at a proper distance from the front edge of the latter,a cylindrical and hollow king-post c, is seated and secured, itsintegral foot flange c, affording a stable base therefor and convenientmeans for a bolted attachment with. the deck of the float as indicatedin Fig. 8. The preferably cast post 0, is designed to sustain inrotatable connection, a horizontal outwardly projecting frame F, whichis triangular and of a proper length for efficient service, its inboardend being the apex of an acute angle which is attached to the king-postin a manner that will be explained. The frame F,

serves to carry important parts of the dredging mechanism and must belight as well as strong, and to this end, is constructed of timbers,there being two side pieces (1, that diverge from their inboard ends,and have their outer or forward ends attached to a transverse timberpiece d, two similar pieces (1 being secured upon the frame pieces 01,at an equal distance from the outer ends of the side timbers d, and alsoupon these side timbers near their inner ends, in parallel planes withregard to each other, a sufficient space intervening for the receptionof other parts, the brace (1 that projects between the parallellongitudinally extending parts 61 of the cor-' ner frame and has itsends secured thereto, affording stability to the engaged parts.

In Figs. 8 and 9, the construction of the parts which produce arotatable connection between the carrier frame F, and king-post c, isclearly illustrated, there being a vertically perforated block 0furnished, which loosely fits upon the true cylindrical body of saidpost, and has a nearly rectangular form externally, opposite trunnions cprojecting therefrom, which are of equal diameter and length. A furcatedshoe piece 0, is provided having its forward portion laterally flangedas shown, said upright flanges which project from a base portion beingmade to diverge from the rear forwardly, so as to adapt them to havecontact throughout their surfaces with the inner end portions of thecarrier frame timbers d,which are bolted firmly upon the lower part ofthe shoe, as indicated and may also be laterally bolted through the sideflanges if this is deemed necessary. The

limbs c of the furcated portion of the shoe piece a, are cross groovedin alignment with each other and rounded at the base of each groove, soas to permit these grooved limbs to loosely embrace the trunnions c androck upon them when the frame F, is raised or lowered at the outer end.A supply conduit pipe B is laterally extended from the pump B, towardthe king post 0, and is suitably curved downwardly near said posttoengage with the inboard end of a horizontal conduit pipe G, that ispractically a portion of the pipe B For effective service it isessential that the pipe G, be secured to the pipe B with an adjustablejoint connection, which willallow the normally horizontal pipe G, to bechanged in.

adjustment laterally a limited distance; and to permit this, an ordinaryconcavo-convex joint surface is produced where the upper pipe 13 hascontact with the upturned end portion of the other pipe, the parts beingheld adjustably by bolts that pass through the radial flange on the endof the pipe G, and also through a clamping ring or like device whichbears upon the ball shaped radial projection of the upper pipe E thebolts having nuts that serve to draw the parts together so as to topreventleakage and allow the desired limited adjustment of the lowerpipe on the upper pipe which will facilitate the connecbend on the pipeB as described, a foot piece G, is formed, consisting of four wingsradiating laterally from a common center, and all the foot piece beingso proportioned to the dimensions of the part it projects from, that thepipe G will be properly sustained at its inner end between the paralleltimbers d of the carrier frame F.

On the end of the curved piece of the conduit pipe G, which projectsforwardly of the foot piece G, a thimble piece is fastened, whichaffords means for attachinga flexible pipe section G to the quarter bendmentioned; this fiexibleportion that is preferably formed of gum hosehaving a proper diameter and strength, is slipped at one end over thethimble piece and clamped in posie tion by an encircling band G SeeFig.8. A

proper length is afforded to the portion G of the. conduit G, to give acertain degree of flexibility to the inboard end of the supply conduitfor the pump, which will relieve any strain .on the ball joint if theparts are clamped tightly at said joint. The outer end e of the piece Gis clamped or otherwise se cured upon a metal portion of the conduitpipe G, and preferably another flexible pipe section isintroduced insaid pipe to facilitate the downward bending of its forward ,endportion, which latter is constructed of metal, and terminates at itslower end in an excavator head I.-

The head portion I, is an important feature of the invention, andcomprises a laterally elongated receptacle which is nearly rectangularat its lower edge, and dome-shaped at the top, converging thereat toproduce a cylindrical neck e, that terminates in a radial flange e,whereon a similar flange that is on the lowerend of the conduit pipe G,is seated and secured. Asuflicientcapacity is afforded to the head I, toadapt itto serve as an intake box for excavated material, which has beenplowed by the cutters and hydraulic jet devices attached to the head, aswill be further described; said details of construction being clearlyshown in Figs. 4 to 7, inclusive.

In Fig. 5 which is a side view of the excavator head and attachments,two com paratively thin cutter blades f are shown which depend from thefront and rear lower edges of the head I, whereon they are removablyaffixed, their lower edges which are parallel with the lower edges ofthe excavator head, being rendered measurably sharp to allow the bladesto sink into the bed of earth they engage with when in service.

.Within theexcavator head a tilting table is introduced which serves asan adjustable bottom for said receptacle; this piece consistsessentially of two rectangular leaf plates g, that are secured uponaheavier plateor frame nally perforated near itsapex, to receive a shaftg which is secured thereto, andprojects at each end so as to looselypass through aligning perforations, that maybe in boxes affixed to thefront and rear sides of the excavator head shell I, at its transversecenter.

-Bythe pivotal suspension of the tilting table,

it is allowed to rock, and alternately project the lower and sharpenededges of the leaf plates g, below the side edges of the excavator headI. Said vibration of the table is limited by the impinge of the upwardlymoving side of the table upon the lower side edge of the head shell, asindicated. at theleft of Fig. 4. A further means for regulating thetilting movement of the table g g, consists in the provision ofadjustable studs 9 that are secured upon and project inwardly from thecutter bladesf, at such points as will cause a stud to receive theimpact of the downwardly inclined side of the tilting table at thesametime the rising leaf plate g,is checked by its impinge upon the sidewall of the excavator head.

Upon the lower surface of the leaf plates g, a series of spaced prongs 9are projected; preferably a single row of said prongs is located on eachleaf plate, extending across from front to rear, and parallel as a rowwith the lower edge of the plate they are secured upon, and a properdistance from said edges. As the prongs 9 project at a right angle fromthe plates 9, it will be seen that on the side of the tilting table.that is downwardly, inclined, the prongs are inclined inwardly or towardthe transverse center of the table, their length being sufficient tocause their sharpened lower ends to project a shortdistance below thefree lower side edge of the table. 7 g

Two or more hook-shaped, sharp'edged plowing blades 71, are affixed oneach side ,wall of the excavator head shell, these pairs of cuttersprojecting downwardly, below the lower edges of the walls theyaresecured upon, of a length which will .adapt them to have a freeengagement of their curve-pointed.

lower ends with the earth that is to be excavated. l

The co-acting hydraulic jet device before mentioned, which is providedto aid in exca vating earthy materiahconsists of a water supply pipe J,that is connected to a source of watersupply under pressure, located onthe float A, and thence extended forwardly along the carrier frame F,and downwardly near to the conduit G, having its portionthat is adjacentto the excavator head I, connected to the conduit by the bracketclamps'i, shown in Figs. 5 and 6, said clamping devices being made toembrace the lateral branches i of the water supply pipe J.

Intermediately of the branch pipes i, and main water pipe J, apeculiarly constructed three-way valve 2' is introduced, which isdesigned to feed water under pressure to either branch pipe in a fullstream and cut it off from the other branch pipe gradually, so as toavoid a dangerous percussive action of the water. The valve i is shownsectionally in Fig. 7, and consists of a shell or bodyhaving an outletat each end and on the side near the center. A plug 2' which is fittedinto a slightly tapering hole in the shell as usual for plug valves, isprojected at each side of the shell, and is secured by a washer and boltat the smaller end, in the ordinary way. The feature of novelty in thevalve, consists in the formation of a water way in the plug i which isproduced by cutting away one side of the plug so as to remove about onehalf of the material. The cross passage that results from this removalof material, is of such relative dimensions, that when it is disposed inthe position shown by dotted lines in Fig. 7, so as to lie directlyopposite the side aperture in the valve shell, wherein the end of thewater supply pipe J, is inserted and secured, there will be a diminishedwater way produced by the cross passage of the plug, which willdischarge water from the pipe J, into each branch pipe 2''. If the plugis further turned in either direction, the entire volume of waterflowing from the pipe J, will enter one branch of said pipe, as appearsby full lines in the figure last mentioned.

Upon the outer ends of the branch pipes 2 depending pipe sections aresecured, and from these depending pieces lateral branches are forwardlyextended, which in turn are-engaged by depending pipe portions to whichspaced jet nozzles '0', are connected by proper fittings. Two jetnozzles are by preference furnished for each side of the excavator, eachpair being disposed at the outside of the plowing blades h, and stablysecured to the excavator head I. It is essential that the flow of waterthrough the branch pipes i should be so arranged, that water will beprojected from the jet nozzles i, on the side of the excavator headwhere an opening below is produced, due to the tilting of the table 9 g;To this end there is an upright arm 70, aflixed upon the end portion ofthe shaft g which projects rearwardly beyond the head I. The arm 10, isslotted a'short distance from its upper end,

' and is of such a proportionate length as will permit a pivotalconnection to be produced between its slotted end and the upper end of acrank lever is, that is projected at a right angle from the body of theplug 2' at its larger end; the pivot bolt therein being adapted to slidein the slot of the arm 70, so as to prevent a cramping action that wouldotherwise result when the levers are jointly vibrated. As the arm is, isprojected vertically from the apex of the angular top face of thetilting table, it will be vibrated in accordance with its rockingmovement. Hence if the table tips toward one side, the plug lever willbe correspondingly vibrated toward the tipped side of the table, andproduce a rotatable movement of the plug 2' which will open a freepassage from the water supply pipe J, into the nozzles "6 that are onthe tilted side of the table.

Upon the forward part of the carrier frame 7 F, a derrick frame iserected, which comprises two similar timbers m, that have their lowerends secured upon the cross timber d, near its ends. The timbers m, areequally inclined toward each other, so as to dispose their upper endsequally distant from the heels of said timbers, and as shown in Figs. 1and 2, the frame timbers m, incline outwardly and are thus maintained bytwo centrally located, spaced and parallel housing posts m, that arevertically erected on the timbers 61 that project in advance of thetimber d for such purpose. The upper terminals of the posts m, areaffixed to the inclined timbers m, and also to the head block m thelatter extending across, between the upper ends of both sets of timbers,as indicated in Fig. 3. Two prop braces m are provided, which have theirheels secured to the longitudinal timbers 01 and incline toward thehousing posts m to which they are attached at their upper ends, andother braces m extend horizontally between the prop braces and posts soas to render the entire upright structure substantial.

Two upright stanchions n, are secured to the end portions of the crosstimber d, on

,the carrier frame F, which ends project beyond the inclined timbers m,said stanchions being held stable by inclined braces 07., and otherembracing pieces 11?, which extend horizontally between the parts a, andthe stanchions; transverse pins 01 inserted in proper holes formed inthe stanchions above the pieces n aid in supporting the parts it. SeeFig. 3. -As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the stanchions mare projected belowthe carrier frame F, a suitable distance to cause their lower ends toenter the water in which the device is being operated, so that thechains 0, which extend from the opposite sides of the excavator head I,from eye bolts 0, toward the stanchions, may engage pulleys a on thelower end of the pieces n, and thence project upwardly to pass throughthe snatch blocks n and thence toward the float A, their free ends beingbelayed at if, on the timbers 01 as shown in Fig. 2. Should it benecessary to slightly alter the lateral adjustment of the excavator headI, this can be done by shortening one chain 0, and lengthening theother; the office of these chains however is to serve as guy lines forthe retention of the head I, and conduit G, in proper position, bracingthese parts in service. The conduit pipe G, is further sustained inplace forwardly by a chain or rope p which passes below the con- IIOduit or engages an encirclingband on it at p, and is thence extended ateach side of the conduit upwardly to pass through snatch blocks on theframe braces m and thence downwardly, having itsend portions belayed atp on the timbers (1 The portion of the conduit G, which is above andconnected to the excavatorhead I, is sustained by a chain" or rope slingg, which is attached by its ends to the conduit and head, andintermediately of its ends engages loosely a pulley block g, from whichupwardly extends a chain or rope g that passes through another pulleyblock g on the upper part of thestanding frame, and thence rearwardly tohave its other end attached toa spool 12, that by rotation will raisethe conduit and excavator head, the gravity'of said parts causing themto lower as the chain holding them elevated is subsequently slacked.Upon the conduit G, two pulley blocks 9" are secured near itslongitudinal center, for the engagement of two chains or ropes 1", theselatter being doubled wherethey engage the blocks named. Each have oneend secured to a pulley block-r The blocks W, are affixed to the deck ofthe float at opposite points near the front end and side edges ofthe'same, and the other doubled portions of the chains 7", pass throughthese blocks and are thence extended toward the king post 0, engagingloosely other pulley blocks r that are also shackled to the deck of thefloat, and from these blocks each chain or rope 'r,is led rearward to bewrapped upon the drums C; so that the manipulation of the levers 0 willenable an operator to wrap up one chain and relax the other, thuscausing a lateral-vibration of the carrier frame F, conduit G, andexcavator head I.

In the prosecution of the work of dredging with this improved apparatus,it is essential that provision be made for the secure retention of thefloat and its appurtenances while the frame F, is vibrated andexcavation is being thus effected, and also to afford means for theperiodic and limited movement of the float and apparatus so as to permitthe excavator to engage with an uncut portion of the water bottom. Toeffect this desideratum there'is a set of prop devices provided, whichco-act with theordinary guy lines and which will be described. Acrossthe deck of the float A, a triangular frame is erected that has aposition near the rear end of the carrier u frame'F, comprising twotimbers s, which are inclined toward each otherand are firmly securedtogether at their upper ends, as shown in Fig. 3, suitable clampingirons being used to effect such a connection of parts. The frame isrearwardly braced by inclined propposts 8', and also by acentrallyextended guy rod 8 that engages the top of the frame, and projectsrearward and downward to have an attachment to the deck of the float.Other guy rods 8 are swivel connected to the irons at the top of theupright frames, 8, and project forwardly and downwardly, their lowerends being connected to the side timbers d, of the carrier frame F; anda turn buckle s is introduced in each guy rod for their adjustment toraise or lower the frame Fa limited degree, and adapt the guy rods tosupport the front part of the carrier frame, thereby relieving the kingpost 0, from a partof the Weightand maintaining the frame F,projectedand free to swing. At a proper height two cross beams 25 are securedupon the inclined timbers or shear beams s s, which they embraceoppositely on their front and rear sides; the cross beams having alength which will project their end portions a short distance andequally, beyond the sides of the float A, as represented in Fig. 2. Aspacing block 25, is introduced between the ends of the cross beams 73,at each side,and theseare secured in place by any proper means. Betweentheshearbeams ss,and the cross beams t, strut braces 29, are placed andaffixed by their'ends, their upper terminals being so located betweenthecross beams, that a suitable pocket or vertical slot will be produced ateach end ofthe joined beams 25, for the free introduction of the spudsor props N, N. The spud N, is held in a vertical position loosely by aloop iron u, which embraces the spud, and projects from the side of thefloat at a proper point, as shown 'in Fig. 3, and by dot-ted lines inFig. 2. There is a chain u, secured by one end to the side of the spudN, at a point near its lower end, and thence upwardly extended to engagewith a pulley block if, from which it passes toward the transversecenter line of the float engaging another pulley (not shown) and fromthe last pulley' extends at a right angle rearwardly to be wrappeduponaspool b, so that to raise the spud, a rotatable movement of thespool is produced which can be effected by the gearing shown in Fig. 2,that is actuated by the spur wheel 0, and is released when said gearwheel is-detached from the drum 0, which will allow the spud to descendand engage the water bottom, by reason of its own weight. On the otherside of the float A, the spud N, is located. This piece of timber is ofthe same dimensions as the spud N, and in like manner slides through thepocket provided for it at the ends of the cross beams t. An improvedmeans of sup port and adjustment is provided for the spud N, on thefloat A, to enable the proper 1ougitudinal movement ofv the float to bepredetermined and effected, said device consisting essentially of abracket block 1), which is cut away on one side between its ends toproduce a slot of proper width and length, when said block is secured onthe side of the float as represented in Figs. 2 and 11. The spud N,passes through the slot in the block '1), and when vertical'will restagainst the front terminal wall of said slot. Upon the block '0, anelongated rectangular frame '12 of metal is secured, which islongitudinally apertured to correspond with the slot in the block itrests upon. There are two parallel flanges 0 extended throughout thelength of the frame 0' o,on each of its sides the use of which will beexplained. Between the flanges '0 and slightly below them a series ofratchet teeth 12 are formed on each side of the'frame, the teethextending along the inner faces of the flanges 0 a proper distanceinclining away from the spud N. when the latter is in the position shownin Fig. 12. A traveler carriage that is adapted to move on the frame 1;,is a part of the spud holder, and consists of two similar pawls w, thatare held spaced apart at their toes by a cross bar to, Whereon a ring orother projection is formed to afford a convenient means for lifting thepawls. The heels of the pawls are laterally perforated for the receptionof the cylindrical end portions of the transverse shaft 10 which has ananti-friction rollerw loosely mounted upon it. At each side of theroller w an eye-boltw is strung upon the shaft w and projectsdownwardly; then the pawls w, are placed in position outside of theeye-bolts, and secured to the shaft by cross pins or other means, asufficient portion of the shaft projecting beyond the pawls to engageloosely with the top edges of the flanges Q72. A sufficient length isgiven to the eyeboltsw for their projection below the bracket block 1),and the loose engagement with the bolt ends of the transverse keeperplate 10 that is held on the bolts by nuts or other means, so that thecarriage thus constructed will be prevented from displacement, and itsfree longitudinal movement on the guide flanges o permitted if the pawlsare not interlocked with the teeth 0 the use of this device being fullyexplained in the description of the operation of the dredging machinewhich is hereinafter given.

The conduit pipe G, which has been described, is designed to be used inwater of a moderate depth; in case there is a greater depth to beoperated in, or the excavation is to be of such an extent, verticallyconsidered, that the front portion of the conduit will not suffice tocontinue the work, a special attachment for the conduit may be utilized,which is shown in Fig. 10, and consists of two pipe sections G ,G thathave telescopicconnection, the pipe section G sliding within the piece GThese parts are furnished with a stuffing box G and follower G, thatwhen packed produce a water-tight joint between the pipes. The length ofthe pipe sections G G is sufficient to prolong the conduit G, downwardlyat its front end so as to allow the excavator head I which is to besecured on the flanged end 00, of the pipe G to have contact with thebottom of the water bed. There are two parallel guide bars G provided,which are connected at the top by a cross-bar, the lower ends of thebars being secured at opposite points in the flange 0c. The outer pipesection G is furnished with projecting arms 00 which have slide boxes aon their ends, that have a loose engagement with the guide bars G Theupper flanged end'of theouter pipe secti n G is attached to the bentdepending flanged end of the conduit G, and a sling chain 00 is extendedfrom this upper part of the pipe section G to which a pulley block isconnected, a similar block depending from the cross bar 00', and a ropem is rove through these blocks and led toward the float A, to permitmanipulation. It will be seen that if the rope or chain 00 is drawnupon, the pipe sections will be telescopically extended so as tolengthen the conduit, the entire device being lifted by the means beforedescribed.

In arranging the dredging apparatus for service, it will be of advantageto provide duplicate spuds N, spaced apart on the same side of thefloat, and a regulating device for the same as has been described; andto commence operations, the float A, is located at a point where theexcavator head I may be made to conveniently engage the bottom. The hullor float A is then guyed by an extension of lines forwardly, rearwardly,and on each side, which are attached to any fixed object. Generallymooring piles are driven for such a purpose; and to effect thisinsertion of the piles the housing frame m on the forward part of thecarrier frame F, is preferably employed, a suitable hammer block beingadapted to slide in the ways and drive the pile, said hammer beingelevated by the mechanism on the float. When the spuds N, N, arelowered, the lateral and longitudinal movement of the entire apparatuswill be prevented, so that the dredger mechanism may be put into use;the operation consisting first, in the embedment of the excavator headI, into the soil of the bottom so that the cutter blades fwill be forcedtherein. The carrier frame F, is now swung by the operation of the winchmechanism and chain attachments, as has been already explained, whichwill cause the prongs 9 to interlock with the ground and tilt the tablefrom which they project, in the direction of travel of the excavatorhead, so that an inlet throat is afforded for excavated material, asindicated at the right side of Fig. 4. The plowing blades h, andco-acting jet. nozzles i, are brought into service, and loosen as wellas comminute earthy material, which with gravel of moderate size will beraised through the conduit G, by the pump B, and discharged therefromthrough a lateral pipe B The peculiar construction of the excavator headI, and its tilting table, adapts the latter to scoop up the loosenedmuck and other material from the water bottom, and if large stones areencountered, these will be prevented from entering the head shell by theplowing blades h. After a sweeping movement in one direction is made,themovement of the carrier frame F, is reversed, which will tip the tablein the excavator head, so as to open an inlet throat on the oppositeside of said head, and scoop up excavated material as has already beenexplained. In case it is found that the excavated material is of such anature that it is inclined to clog the conduit pipe G, entry for clearwater may be afforded on the raised side'of the table, by preventing theelevated edge of the table from having a close contact with the loweredge of the excavator shell. This result can be attained, if a plug orpin 9 is inserted in one of the pair of perforations f, in the cutterblades f, so as to receive the impact of the depressed side of thetilting table before its raised side is against the shell I.

It is of advantage to note the working of the excavator head I, as it isreciprocated below the water surface, and for this purpose two lanyardsy, are attached by one end of each .to the upper end of the arm k, andled in opposite directions to engage with the pulleys on the'clamps v1,and thence led upwardly to rest their bights on the pulleys 1 that arepivoted on the rear sides of the housing posts m, their depending endshaving weights 1 attached, which by their relative position will show,if the tilting table is at work, and if it moves a full stroke.

From the foregoing description, it Will be evident that the successivesweeping of the carrier frame F, so as to drag the excavator head I,over a particular spot on the bottom of the Water bed, will removematerial therefrom, and expeditiously lower the bottom at that point tothe desired degree.

The next step is to move the float far enough longitudinally, to locatethe excavator head above an adjacent part of the Water bottom. When itis desired to move the boat ahead to enable the drag to engage in a newplace on the bottom, spud N, is raised, the spud pawls w are slippedback on the rack as far as maybe necessary to give the properlength ofmovement for the boat, and then interlocked end.

with the ratchet teeth. The boat is then moved ahead until the roller 20presses against the spud N, which has been forwardly inclined and restsagainst the rear end of the slot it is in, bearing upon the lower edgeof said slot which spud N is raised and made to assume a verticalposition and imbedded by its weight in the soil. The spud pawls to beingbrought to the position they occupied before the boat 'was moved, serveto retain the roller 20 in contact with the spud N, and the latter in anupright position at the rear end of the slot it occupies. The'spud N isthen dropped. A

spud on the same side of the boat as N and near the stern is operated inthe same manner. Care must be used not to raise the spud N or its mateunless the spud N is down. Thus the boat is'prevented from having alateral movement while moving ahead and the proper length of themovement aheadis determined. When the new position has been given to thefloat A, and the spuds made to engage the bottom as stated, operationsmay be renewed, andthe bottom cut away to a proper depth; successivemovements of the The spud l is then dropped, after.

float and subsequent dredging operations afthe frame and projectingbeyond the float,

and supports for said frame adapted to rock it vertically and swing itlaterally, substantially as described.

2. In a dredger, a float, a triangular carrier frame on the float, anupright frame on one side of said carrier frame, adapted to sustainother parts of the dredger, and supporting devices on the float,connected to an angle of the carrier frame opposite the upright frame,and which adapt these joined frames to swing laterally and rock from ahorizontal plane, substantially as described.

3. In a dredger, the combination with a float, a king post thereon, atrunnioned swivel block on the post, and a furcated shoe-piece adaptedto loosely engage its slotted ends with the trunnions of the swivelblock, of a triangular carrier frame projected from the shoe carrierframe, substantially as described.

4. In a dredger, the combination with a flo'at, a king post thereon, andaswivel block on the post and adapted to support the inboard end of atriangular carrier frame free to swing and rock, of a pump on the float,and a conduit pipe for the pump, said conduit being sus tained by thecarrier frame and supported at its inboard end upon and by the swivelblock, substantially as described.

5. In a dredger, the combination with a float, a pump thereon, means toactuate the pump, and a swinging and rocking carrier frame pro jectedfrom the float, of a flexing conduit on the carrier frame, curvedupwardly at the inboard end, sustained on a post at said end,and'ad'justably connected to a conduit section that is laterallyprojected from the pump, substantially asv described.

6. In a dredger, an, excavator head domeshaped at the top, and connectedthereat with the outer end of a pump supply conduit,

spaced plowing blades at each side of the shell of the excavator head,and a tilting table centrally pivoted within the shell and adapted torock to a limited degree as the head is swung laterally, substantiallyas described.

7. In a dredger, an excavator head domeshaped at its top, and attachedthereat to the pendent outer end of a laterally movable pump supplyconduit, a hydraulic jet device supported thereon at each side of thehead, plowing blades at each side-of said head,and a tilting tablecentrally pivoted within the head at its lower end and adapted toprovide an intake throat at each side of the head alternately,substantially as described.

IIO

8. In a dredger, a tilting table pivoted within the shell of anexcavator head and forming its bottom and adapted to rock, prongsarranged in rows on the lower face of the tilting table, a cutter bladeat the front and rear side of the excavator shell and depending from itslower edges, and removable studs on said cutter blades, adapted to limitthe vibration of the tilting table, substantially as described.

9. In a dredger, an excavator device, comprising a dome covered shell,rectangular near its lower edges, a centrally pivoted tilting tablewithin the shell at the lower end, the top face of which table inclineslaterally from the pivot center, a cross shaft in a perforation in thetable and forming its pivot support, cutter blades depending from frontand rear edges of the excavator shell, removable studs in the blades,which define the degree of vibration of the table, spaced plowing bladeson each side of the shell, and a hydraulic jet device on each side ofthe shell near the plowing blades, substantially as described.

10. In a dredger, the combination with a float, a pump thereon, aflexing conduit for the pump, a supporting carrier frame for theconduit, partly projected beyond the end of the float, and a support forthe inner end of the carrier frame that adapts said frame to swinglaterally and rock from a horizontal plane, of an excavator head shellon the conduit, a hydraulic jet device on the shell, plowihg blades atthe sides of the shell, and a tilting table within the shell and formingthe bottom of the shell, substantially as described.

11. In a dredger, the combination with an excavator head shell,dome-shaped at its top and connected thereat with the outer end of apump supply conduit, and a tilting table within the shell supported on atransverse shaft and inclined on its top side from the center toward itsside edges, prongs along each side edge on the lower face of the tiltingtable, and depending cutter blades on the front and rear edges of theexcavator shell, of a pair of curved and spaced plowing blades on eachside of the excavator shell, a hydraulic jet device for each side of thehead shell, a water supply pipe for said devices, extended from a sourceof water supply, and a three-way valve connected to an arm on the shaftand adapted to direct water into each jet device alternately,substantially as described.

12. In a dredger, the combination with a tilting table forming themovable bottom of an excavator head shell on apump supply conduit, anarm on the pivot shaft of said table, and a vibratable frame projectedfrom a float and carrying the conduit and shell, of

two pulley-supported strands or chains leading from opposite sides ofthe tilting table arm to posts above on the frame, and weights on thefree ends of said cords or chains, and adapted to indicate when thetable is rocking, substantially as described.

13. In a dredger, the combination with a float, of a transverse verticalframe thereon, avertically adjustable spud on one side of the float, anda spud on the other side of the float adapted to swing pendent and toslide vertically, substantially as described.

14. In a dredger, the combination with a float, and a transverse framethereon, of a vertically adjustable spud on one side of the frame andfloat, means to loosely secure said spud in an upright position, and apower-actuated device adapted to raise said spud, of a spud on theopposite side of the float and transverse frame, loosely engaging theframe and adapted to swing at the side of the float, a power drivendevice to raise said spud when upright, and an adjustable device on thefloat looselyembracing the spud at its lower end, and adapted toindicate'the degree of swinging adjustment for the spud and hold it fromdisplacement when upright, substantially as described.

15. In a dredger, the combination with a float,a spud held thereon atone side to swing and move vertically, and means to move said spud in anupward direction, of a securing device on the side of the float,comprising a bracket block recessed to form a slot with the side of thefloat, a slotted frame on the block, having parallel series of ratchetteeth, and a loosely secured device adapted to slide on the frame andhaving pawls that will interlock with the ratchet teeth, substantiallyas described.

16. In a dredger, the combination with a spud on the float of thedredger, of an indicating and securing device for the spud, comprisinganelongated slotted frame securable on abracket block at the side of thefloat, guide flanges on said frame, parallel series of ratchet teethintermediate of the flanges, a pair of pawls spaced at their toe ends bya cross bar, a transverse shaft carrying the pawls, a loose roller onthe shaft at its center, eyebolts at the ends of the roller on the shaftand pendent therefrom, the pawls being secured on said shaft against theeye bolts, and a keeper plate loosely secured on the lower end of theeye bolts, substantially as described.

JOHN W. SAOKETT.

